Ally Aldridge's Blog, page 20
January 28, 2021
The Process of Publishing a Novel – 1 of 3
The first step to publishing a novel is often to write the first draft. This is same whether you wish to traditionally or indie publish. There are some exceptions to this rule.
If you’ve have an interesting story to tell from real life or an expert in your field, a publisher or agent might reach out and request you write a book if there is a market in demand.
Some people prefer to hire a ghost writer to write for them. In this case you’re not the one physically writing your book and this post is not for you because today I’m covering writing the draft version.
Step 1 – Draft a NovelHere is a handy info graphic of what I’m going to cover in this post.
You can save this to your Pinterest board.
PlanIf your writing a full length novel it’s useful to start with a plan. I don’t consider myself a plotter but I still write an outline. It helps me get from A to B, and a few check points along the way.
Some writers what a more detailed plan. They might want to design their characters, do some Worldbuilding and draw maps, or even need to research information.
WriteThis is obviously the most important part. If you don’t write the book there won’t be a book. However, don’t get hung up on making it perfect. You will not publish your first draft – in fact nobody has to see that monstrosity if you don’t want them to.
Writing a novel is a big task. It can help to break it down into smaller more manageable tasks. Many writers find it useful to set word count goals. Writing sprints can be useful to focus time on writing in quick bursts.
Here’s a handy post on beating writers block.
Self EditSome writers edit as they write – this does slow the process down but afterwards your manuscript is in a better shape. Other writers spew the words onto the page and tidy up the mess afterwards.
It doesn’t matter how you do it but you’ll want to give it an edit before letting anyone else read it. It’s easy to make mistakes whilst you are in the moment.
You don’t need to limit the number of self edits. Edit it as many times as you need to. Some people break the task into different focusses. For example, you might do a read through and look for inconsistencies, or focus on SPAG, or receptiveness, or pacing.
Here is a post with some tips on how to self edit.
Alpha ReaderNot everybody uses an Alpha. They are often someone you are close to and you show them an early draft to get feedback. Sometimes Alphas are used before a book is finished to assess whether the story has any merit before investing a load of time in it.
Self EditWhenever you get feedback on your book you should reflect on it. Did your Alpha share some ideas to help you improve your book?
Don’t worry if they didn’t. Many Alphas are already your personal cheerleaders (like your spouse, mum, best friend, etc). They might not have the skills to critique but when you’re battling self doubt, they are the ones picking you up and cheering you on.
They may also have raised issues or ideas you hadn’t thought about like. Often when trying to get someone to understand your idea, you discover the plot holes or where things aren’t clear enough.
Beta ReadersThese people read a draft you’ve worked on improving. You can even find paid Betas who have skills to highlight where you can improve your novel further.
Here is a post that compares Beta and ARC readers (and touches on Alpha readers).
Self EditYes! You will get feedback from your Betas on how to improve your book. It’s best to have a few Betas and they may even have conflicting views. Allow yourself time to reflect on their advice.
Remember it is you novel at the end of the day and if their ideas are changing the vision you had, you don’t have to apply them. However, if several readers pointed out the same thing, they most likely have a point you should pay attention to.
You may even want to ask your Betas questions. For example, is this sex scene too much for teen readers? Um… yes, I’m working on a story where my Betas will be asked this. 😂
Get a Professional Edit…The next post in my series is about getting your manuscript professionally edited…
If you enjoyed this post, you will like:
The post The Process of Publishing a Novel – 1 of 3 appeared first on Author Ally Aldridge.
January 25, 2021
Behind the Book: 2020 Collection
Thank you so much to all the authors that took the time to answer questions on making of their books. I learnt so much through your different journeys, the struggles you overcame, your best tips, and discovering more about you and your book.
The book that started this all off was Number Eight Crispy Chicken by Sarah Neofield. I was part of her Street Team for the books launch and interviewed her as my stop on the book’s blog tour.
I learnt so much from Sarah Neofield and it helped me in my decision to self publishing. The “Behind the Book” blog post turned into a series.
By the end of 2020, I had conducted a total of 18 interviews! I have put them all here in this post for your enjoyment. So, make yourself comfortable and get reading!
Sarah Neofield – Number Eight Crispy Chicken
NB: This title now has a new cover
NB: This title now has a new cover
NB: This title now has a new cover
The last Behind the Book interview for 2020 was part of R. J. Blaine’s Blog Tour for her book’s release. It was organised by Xpresso Tours and they created the blog banner.
If you enjoyed this, look out for more Behind the Book interviews in 2021, and my review for some of these books.
Book Review: Agent Undone by Cassidy Reyne
Book Review: Sorceress of Truth by J D Groom
Book Review: Crown of Conspiracy by Kara S Weaver
The post Behind the Book: 2020 Collection appeared first on Author Ally Aldridge.
January 18, 2021
Book Review: Garden in the Sands by Ellie Mitten
The first review of 2021, and I’m changing my format a little. I’m not going to write about the Beginning, Middle & End as it was hard to do without spoiling the books.
I’ve been following Ellie’s writing journey on Instagram so when her book released I bought it. And, it didn’t disappoint!
The setting Set in a world with gods & goddesses, Miran’s lands have been cursed by the gods to only have rain once a year. Water is now so precious and many struggle to make the year through the drought.
The charactersThe book has two main characters, Quil who is human, and Lira who is a demi-goddess.
It starts off with Quil, a human girl from an affluent family. She’s not very good at being a classy lady, so her parents send her off to different noble families to improve. They are out of options… except the castle, home to the king & sickly prince. They decide to send Quil there and task her to spy on the prince and report back in her letters.
Lira takes pity on the humans plight, and worries the punishment will turn the humans against them. If she is to betray their farmer, by breaking the curse, she will be banished to hell. Lira is in competition with Arch as next in line, and can’t trust anyone.
My reviewThis book is a must read! I had no idea what to expect when I started reading. Quil starts off very stuck up due to her upbringing but evolves with the story. Lira is very untrusting of everyone, but her empathy for humans brings down her walls. Quil’s story was like a fantasy retelling of The Secret Garden, whereas Lira’s story was full of mythical beasts and sexy gods. Both stories had conspiracies and power plays going on. I didn’t see the ending coming, but it was amazing!
I loved this book! If you enjoy greek gods, mythical beasts, and The Secret Garden, then check out this amazing fresh take. This book will surprise you and keep you turning the page.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you enjoyed this, you will like:
Book Review: A Court of Thorns and Roses
Book Review: Sea Witch by Sarah Henning
Behind the Book: A Heart of Salt & Silver by Elexis Bell
The post Book Review: Garden in the Sands by Ellie Mitten appeared first on Author Ally Aldridge.
January 14, 2021
15 Top Bookstagramers
There are so many amazing bookstagramers. It was hard to choose only 15, but I wanted my list to reflect the wide variety of accounts.
Each of these accounts bring something different but are united by a shared passion for books and reading. I’m hoping this list will be an inspirationL starting point for anyone interested in starting a bookstagram account.
I hope you enjoy this list and I’d love to hear your recommendations too.
RainbowRogueReads by Sophie CritchleySophie takes stunning photos of her books like any bookstagrammer but what makes her account stand out is her incredible talent with makeup. Sophie creates makeup looks with a similar style/theme of her read. I think the account was previously called GoBookYourself.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Sophie Critchley (@rainbowroguereads)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_mm-aHgH...
Spoopyhol by SpoopsIf you love books and makeup, check out Spoops, She also includes the ”making of” in her posts.
View this post on InstagramElizabeth Sagan and James TrevinoA post shared by 🎅🏻Spoops❄️ (@spoopyhol)
I’m guessing this pair are a couple as they have a similar style and often appear in each others posts. The things they do with books is just wow!
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Elizabeth Sagan (@elizabeth_sagan)
View this post on InstagramEnchanted_Bookshelf with Colin the catA post shared by James Trevino (@james_trevino)
This bookstagram features stunning hardback editions and a rainbow theme. Not only that, but fluffy Colin the cat features in many pics adding that extra enchanting factor.
View this post on InstagramMagicbookcorner by Laura D ChildA post shared by 𝗘𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗳 🇦🇺 (@enchanted_bookshelf)
If you want to discover new books to read, check out Laura. She is relentless in her pursuit of discovering hidden gems and actively support new authors in getting discovered. She’s often one of the first to review the books she reads.
View this post on InstagramA_Bookish_Lass by Michaela DieterA post shared by The Magic Book Corner (@magicbookcorner)
Michaelea shows how simple your gram can be. Her feed is mostly the book covers and stars. Her gram isn’t about flashy book models but helping her followers discover their next steamy romance.
Michaela often reads Betas are ARCs meaning she is often able to review books first, and was in fact the first reviewer of Ocean Heart.
View this post on InstagramBooksshack by NoorA post shared by Michaella Dieter 🏴 (@a_bookish_lass)
This feed is beautiful, it’s got an artistic aesthetic where every picture is unique but has the same colour tones. Then certain pics have been animated to give a hint of magic.
View this post on InstagramBookstagram_Dreamer by ChloeA post shared by Books Shack| Noor | INTP 🏳️🌈 (@booksshack)
Chloe’s feed is very clever. It’s not instantly obvious, but she somehow finds objects/props to add to her pics to compliment the book. There are a few instances of her painting her hand, which is different.
View this post on InstagramBookBookOwl by JenA post shared by Chloe |20| 🌸🇬🇧 (@bookstagram_dreamer)
This feed uses rainbows and flowers to present pretty bookish pics and start conversations about reads. Look out for this little finishing touches that makes this account stand out.
View this post on InstagramBewareOfTheReader by SophieA post shared by Jen | Perth, Australia 🇦🇺 (@bookbookowl)
Sophie is a collector when it comes to books, not just the books but the collectables that go with them. I saw a live unboxing of her getting a limited edition and the excitement was very real.
View this post on InstagramNic_Reeves_Writes by NicA post shared by Sophie 📚 book blogger 🇧🇪🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@bewareofthereader)
This writer loves books and shoes, and this recent pic really sums up both. She’s a regular #footstackfriday contributor.
View this post on InstagramThe_Book_Worms_Bookshelf by AbbyA post shared by Nicole "Nic" Reeves (@nic_reeves_writes)
Abby is a book reviewer and writer. What I love about her feed are the pets that feature in her pics. I especially love her hedgehog. I once wanted a hedgehog but then found out they eat works – yuck.
View this post on InstagramMer.Reads by MerA post shared by Abby ~Book reviewer & writer (@the_book_worms_bookshelf)
This booktuber is new to Instagram (appears to be). I really like her pop-culture vibe to her pics with the outline of her hand holding the books.
View this post on InstagramFadedstardxstA post shared by mer reads 📚| booktuber (@mer.reads)
This account is so new it start 1st January 2021. It has this rustic, country cottage vibe (like the fairy god mother’s cottage in Cinderella is Dead. I hope this bookstagram sticks around as I love the warmth and magic radiating off these pics.
View this post on InstagramRedfae by Ally AldridgeA post shared by ✨ (@fadedstardxst)
If you’re on Instagram, please give me a follow to. Like most authors, I also post about the books I read as well as those I write. Here’s my first bookstagram of 2021.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Author Ally Aldridge (@redfae)
If you enjoyed this post, you will like:
The post 15 Top Bookstagramers appeared first on Author Ally Aldridge.
January 11, 2021
Behind the Book: Swimming Sideways by C. L. Waters
Your book has been on my radar for a while but it wasn’t until recently that I realised what a journey you have been on and how similar our journeys are to each other.
What can readers look forward to in the series?
Swimming Sideways, the first book in The Cantos Chronicles, is the catalyst for the other two books, The Ugly Truth and The Bones of Who We Are. A YA Contemporary, it follows Abby Kaiāulu as she begins at a new school where she gets caught unwittingly between two young men—former best friends Seth and Gabe—who need to face their own struggles to find healing. Abby’s story is about her personal journey to understand herself as a young Hawaiian woman, but it also inspires change for all of the characters. While each story is in and of itself its own narrative around each of the characters, the series explores the series of events through their different perspectives. It’s a love triangle in some ways, but the love triangle isn’t the focus.
Are there similar series to yours?
Swimming Sideways has a Hawaiian cultural element that is very unique which I’m not sure comps very well, but I think Randy Ribay’s Patron Saints of Nothing has a gorgeous cultural element and Call it What You Want by Brigid Kemmerer is a lovely title that looks at how love can inspire individual growth. I had a reviewer compare my writing style to John Green and Brigid Kemmerer, so that’s awesome.
Tell me about the main character Abby?
Abby has moved with her family from Hawaii to Oregon; it’s a last ditch effort to save the family from what looks to be a divorce. Abby, though, is leaving behind a secret in Hawaii and is glad to be starting over and leaving that part of her life behind her. Oregon provides an awesome opportunity. She’s trying hard to redefine herself in this new place trying to be a good big sister to her twin brothers and a good daughter to her parents. She thinks that if she can just do things “right” then she will be able to control the outcome of this move. But secrets never stay hidden and Abby is going to choose whether the mistake controls her or if she’s ready to forgive herself?
The books in the Cantos Chronicles came to you out of order and you published book 2, The Ugly Truth, first. What was it like when you realised your first book in the series wasn’t book 1?
So frustrating and one of those forehead slap moments. But I also think that had I not written Seth’s story, The Ugly Truth, first, I wouldn’t have come to understand the other two stories. So while I made the rookie mistake, that mistake brought understanding and growth and helped me eventually finish the series.
Originally you published exclusively to Amazon but then moved to publish wide with Ingram Sparks. What motivated this change of direction?
After I finished The Bones of Who We Are (the third book in The Cantos Chronicles), I wanted to get them into local bookstores. After lots of phone tag, I finally got to talk to someone who in a very direct (but helpful) way said, “Why do we want to carry our competition?” (meaning Amazon). The question was eye-opening for me and made me reexamine my goals as a writer. What did I want? What was important to me and my author journey? Who did I want to be as a creative for the long haul? The answers to those questions helped me refine my ideas about my career as a writer and “authorpreneur.” That was the impetus behind the shift.
Tell me about a typical day in the life of author Cami (C. L. Waters)?
Up early (usually around 5am give or take thirty minutes in either direction). I spend time journalling and reflecting on my faith walk. Then it’s getting the family moving for the day. When they are gone, I’m working on the business side of writing: blogs, newsletter, beta-reads, editing, catching up on email, planning and implementing marketing strategies, whatever needs attention. In the afternoon I’m working on creative writing and wherever I am in my process. Currently, I’m rewriting my 6th novel. I wrote a blog describing this. Here’s a link: https://www.clwalters.net/blog/2020/11/4/indie-author-life-a-day-in-the-life-of-
Can you share a snippet of the book?
Sure! How much do you want?
Here’s a moment when Abby “meets” Gabe for the first time:
I slink out of the room, head down, and run right into somebody walking through the hallway. Ass on the floor and Good Abby can’t contain the bad one any longer: “What the hell!” I snap. “Watch where you’re going!” I look up at the culprit. The anger catches in my throat. I’ve bumped into a boy the size of a wall.
“I could say the same thing about you,” he replies. His voice has the lure of the ocean surf in the distance, a gentle and relaxing rumble. His bright blue eyes are the Hawaiʻi Pacific Ocean, intensely bright set in the golden glow of his bronze skin. His black hair is longish, curly, hanging over his sharp features though his lips are soft and full. He holds out a hand, the sinew of his muscles hinted in the exposure of the brown skin at his wrist.
He helps me up.
Someone in the hall passes and jostles him with a shoulder. The Wall loses his balance and knocks against me as I stand, but I don’t fall a second time. His arm wraps around me and keeps me from falling to the floor again. We’re so close that I smell the clean scent of him like soap and a hint of something spicy. My hand still in his, an arm around his solid and unforgiving shoulders, electricity winds up my arm straight to my heart and flutters with the current.
“Freak,” a passing voice in the hallway says.
I pull away regretting the loss of the connection but unwilling to go back to the social dump. Been there. Done that. This is me starting over.
Good Abby rule: Selectively choose your friends.
The Wall looks at me. His eyes have narrowed, the color now flinty, and the energy I thought I felt retreats somewhere safe. I notice the knowing look on his face, and it’s a knife in my gut. His jaw tightens. He recognizes this current version of me all too well. I identify his awareness because I was him, after all, the one they called names. It may have not been freak, but slut or whore did the same kind of damage. I knew a version of this new me too, and it makes me feel ashamed.
“Sorry,” he mutters and pulls his black hood over his head as he walks away.
Good Abby coaxes the bad one not to look back, not to watch him walk away. Bad Abby wants more than anything to turn around, say she’s sorry and let him know she’s been there. But she listens to Good Abby and goes to her next class. I walk away wondering which one is good Abby and which one is bad?
Excerpt from Swimming Sideways (2020) by CL Walters
Where can we go to discover more about you and your books?
My website is probably the best place to find out everything you need to know. www.clwalters.net
If you enjoyed this post, you will enjoy other behind the book posts. Check out:
Behind the Book: 2020 Collection
Behind the Book: Agent: Undone by Cassidy Reyne
Behind the Book: A Heart of Salt & Silver by Elexis Bell
Book Review: And the Stars Were Burning Brightly
The post Behind the Book: Swimming Sideways by C. L. Waters appeared first on Author Ally Aldridge.
January 7, 2021
Goodreads 2020 Reads
Something I love about Goodreads is how easy it is to track my progress towards my reading goals. At the end of the year, Goodreads gives stats on my reads.
2020 Reading Goals
My goal was set at 12 books, thinking I could easily read one a month but I hadn’t taken into account how busy I’d be certain months launching my own book, Ocean Heart. It turned out just 12 books was harder than I thought.
The year has include some books I absolutely loved, and one I hated. I’m pretty good at choosing books I know I will love that I wasn’t surprised that my average rating was high. I just don’t have time to read books I won’t like.
January 4, 2021
2021 Goals!
This year, I’ve really struggled with creating my goals. The problem is there’s so much I want to do but where to start?
I know if I have too many plates spinning, they’ll all crash. As I’m writing this it’s January 1st and I’m finally choosing my goals after agonizing over them for two weeks. And… I may still tweak them before this post goes live.
Personal
Skincare routine: Over the years, I’ve tried loads countless products and I’m constantly changing my routine. During 2021, I plan to finalise my skincare products which I think will benefit my skin.
I hate waste so I need to use up products I already have, and it also depends on money too. I’ve already decided on the products and look forward to sharing these with you as I buy them.
Visit Hollowtree Farm: Fear of the virus and lockdowns reduced the number of places we visited. We even had a gift voucher for a fun day at the farm and never got to go. They’ve said it doesn’t expire so this is a priority for 2021!
Self care: I never have time to indulge in things like doing my nails or a face mask. So, I’m planning to reward myself with products to support this when I hit my other goals.
Writing
Sky Heart: This is the BIG one. I want to finish book 2 in the Soul Heart series. But… there are many steps to a published book so this will likely take me all year.
Publishing a Novel To Do List For accountability, I’m going to tweet my progress every Sunday.
Novella 1: I’m working on two novella’s but I want to finish “Denny’s story” first. I’m thinking of using it as a readers magnet.
Novella 2: This project will be on standby and only worked on if I’m waiting on stuff for the other writing projects. This is ”Luna’s story”. I’m still working on the titles of my novellas.
Ocean Heart: I have ideas to do something special in Mer-May. But, I can’t say more until I’ve figured out the details.
Reading
10 Books: Yes, it sounds low but when I’m busy on a writing project I only read a chapter or two a night making my progress very slow. 2020 I only just hit my goal of 12 books.
December 28, 2020
2020 Book Reviews
A look back at the books I reviewed this year…
The Practice Boyfriend – Christina Benjamin
It feels like forever ago that I read this. I remember Aria wasn’t sleeping well and sitting in the dark cuddling her to sleep, and reading this on my Kindle.
Crown of Conspiracy– Kara S. Weaver
If you sign up to Kara’s newsletter, you get a free book – I know because it’s on my Kindle waiting for me to read. In addition, since reading book 1 in the series, two more titles have been released!
Trust Me -Maddie James
I’m pretty good at choosing books I love but I misjudged this one. I don’t often write negative reviews but this honestly wasn’t for me. Sorry.
Wiccan Romance: Amelia’s Story – Nicola Hebron
I was so lucky to win this sweet YA Fantasy. Since reading this book I’ve gotten to know Nicola better and she was even part of my Stream Team for the Ocean Heart book launch.
And The Stars Were Shining Brightly – Danielle Jawando
Oh my! This book moved me, changed me, made me think. The story was provoking tackling difficult topics like suicide and bullying. I read an eCopy but want a physical copy so I can hug it.
Mermaid School – Lucy Courtenay
This sweet MG Fantasy was a Net Galley ARC. I don’t read MG often but I couldn’t resist it being a mermaid story. The plot is about friendship and helping each other.
Sorceress of Truth – J D Groom
I’d been looking forward to this books release and it didn’t disappoint, qualifying it as an all time favourite. I’m now eager to read book 2 in the series, and can’t wait for its release. Gushing over this book and the merchandise I bought, was one of my first YouTube videos.
Forgotten Scars – Natalie J. Reddy
This book was won! I tried to make a YouTube video about my prize but kept having issues, maybe I’ll manage it in 2021! And, now book 2 in the series is out.
Out Of My League – Sarah Sutton
I read an ARC copy of this book and loved it. Later, Sarah gifted her ARC readers with a copy of her book and some character art postcards – such a sweet gesture. Showing this off was one of my first YouTube videos.
The Emotion Thesaurus – Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi
This book was incredibly useful once editing. But, it’s not the only resource book I read this year but… I didn’t review the others. I must make a note to do that.
Sea Witch – Sarah Henning
I loved this story. It’s kind of a fairytale retelling but told from the perspective of the Sea Witch and how she can to be. It was really well done.
A Court Of Thorns & Roses – Sarah J Maas
I loved this book. The romance was a bit too instant for me but the ending redeemed itself. It was incredible and so unexpected. I’ve been told the series gets better… and the other books are already waiting for me on my bookshelf.
Agent Undone – Cassidy Reyne
Romantic Suspense is not my usual genre but I really enjoyed. One of the MCs is a trafficking survivor on the run. At the time of reading Ghislaine Maxwell had been arrested and similar real life testimonies were in the news, which added to my reading experience (the book is fictional and has nothing to do with the Epstein scandal).
If The Broom Fits – Sarah Sutton
I managed to snag another Sutton ARC. Reading this was figuring out my own book launch did slow me down and I didn’t finish it in time for release, but it’s a sweet Halloween holiday romance worth checking out.
If you enjoyed this, you will like:
Behind the Book: Agent Undone – Cassidy Reyne
The post 2020 Book Reviews appeared first on Author Ally Aldridge.
December 17, 2020
How was your 2020?
I think we can all agree that this year has been unexpected. I started the year with concerns that new flu virus was going to disrupt the world and feeling a bit silly for being so worried about it. But, by the end of February, the rest of the country had caught up with my fears, and we were on lockdown.
2020 PPE a face mask and a tin foil hat
Conspiracy Theories
As a result, it has made me more open to conspiracy theories. The things I saw at the start of the year that caused my concerns were of people being chained in their homes to prevent the spread, Wuhan the hospitals being overwhelmed, and people dropping dead in the streets. Thankfully, we’ve not had it that severe here. In fact, I suspect those early videos weren’t real. Luckily we don’t know anyone personally that has had Covid. I’m over being worried.
I’m following a few Court Cases: Johnny Depp vs Amber Heard, Ghislaine Maxwell (and Epstein) vs the trafficked girls (and boys, if any come forward), and Trump vs Election Fraud.
I actually quite like the New Normal
Adapting to the new normal
My husband and I are now predominantly working from home. We even had a short spell of home schooling our son – which was quite challenging but we did it. My little girl has adapted to having us both home. It has brought us closer together as we get to spend more time together as a family.
All this staying home has been great for the environment. I hope when we come out of this, people do think more about whether they need to travel.
We’ve missed spending time with family and friends.
What we’ve missed
Play groups is something I feel I’ve missed the most. Aria was enjoying playing with other kids and using different toys, and I appreciated meeting up with other mums. Noah has just hit that age where he wants to play at his friend’s homes, and found not having a party for his birthday tough. My hubby has missed the freedom of going out, like having the option to just visit someone.
We missed days out. Even when the lockdown relaxed we didn’t go out like we used to. For example, this summer, the local beach was heaving with people so we avoided it. We also didn’t go to the local farms. We did manage to go to the zoo and had a lovely day out.
It’s not all been bad.
What I’m thankful for
Mostly, I’ve been in the minority that has enjoyed lockdown. I like not having the commute to work, there’s no wear and tear on my car, or cost of car parking, and petrol. I enjoy not having any social pressures to go out, meet up, dress nice, or attend any special occasions.
I liked my stay at home birthday, minimum fuss, and collection dinner from the Dooley (local pub). I’m looking forward to a quiet cosy Christmas with just my husband and kids. It feels like life has slowed down so we can enjoy moments and value what is important.
Something we’ve all come to value is out health and wellbeing. We will continue to take care of ourselves and each other.
Really proud of myself
December 13, 2020
It’s another IG LIVE!
I had the most fabulous live chat with author Lyndell Williams (on Instagram as @laylawriteslove).
Meeting Author Lyndell Williams
She recently had some mobile woes and took the plunge to get a new phone. It wasn’t as straight forward as just popping to the shops to get it and she had to wait F O R E V E R for her new handset to come in. She this on Instagram and I offered a few words of support. We got messaging and she asked if I’d help her test out her new mobile with an IG live.
As you know, I am trying to get braver in front of the camera My inner introvert was screaming “Say no!” but to get more experience on camera, I said Yes. And, I am so glad I did. Layla was so lovely to speak to.
Going Live on Instagram with @laylawriteslove
We agreed a date & time for the Instagram Live, and both connected without any issues. Yay!
We mostly discussed writing and reading romance. I discovered her novels are steamy, and her series features around diverse characters. Her readers demanded more stories about her side characters, so she wrote some novellas. You can discover more about her book here.
She also shared tips with me on plotting. And, we covered writing in different point of views and making believable characters. She is a developmental editor and we both discussed how valuable they are. She has five novels and uses a developmental editor too. You can find out more about her services here.
Check Out Our Live
View this post on Instagram
